Beyond consequentialism /

Consequentialism is one, if not the dominant, school of moral philosophy. Not surprisingly, it has been subjected to numerous critiques and attempted refutations. One of the more interesting aspects of this book is that Hurley (Claremont McKenna College) aims to provide a critique of consequentialism that refines and clarifies many of the previous critiques. He does so by offering an encompassing perspective on what he takes to be the fundamental problem of standard forms of consequentialism: alternatives to consequentialism posit an inherent connection between right action and reasons for action, but consequentialism does not. For this reason, Hurley argues, consequentialism lacks rational authority over moral agents. His book is filled with careful discussions of relevant literature, including discussions of, for example, Kant and Sidgwick. The emphasis, however, is on the arguments and positions found in contemporary moral philosophy. Hurley discusses both Derek Parfit's Reasons and Persons (1984) and Parfit's forthcoming (as of this review) On What Matters. Overall, this is an excellent contribution to the debate over the merits of consequentialism. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty/researchers. J. H. Spence Adrian College